In The Academy As Sukuna

Ch 26 - The Weight of Loss

"The happiest moments in life often pass in a blink. The most horrifying ones, however, seem to stretch on forever"

(POV: Ryogaku)

We were walking on the path to the cafeteria, which looked emptier than usual.

The students seemed to be tired and most of them were going to their rooms to rest.

We walked into the cafeteria, a smell of coffee assaulting our noses as soon as we took a step in.

I heard that Sukuna left just after the Tournament ended, and that today was his birthday.

I should probably wish him happy birthday when he comes back.

I should congratulate him for winning the Tournament too.

I thought about these things as I walked to the counter to place my order, my friends sat down on one of the free tables.

From behind the counter came a girl who seemed not much older than us. She might be close to the age of the people who graduate.

She was wearing quite casual and revealing clothes.

Usually, women, especially such young and good-looking ones would not prefer to wear such clothes in places of work.

But this academy, being the most prestigious education center in the whole Hunter Union, attracts people who are not interested in such activities.

The security systems are also the best in the world. It's as if it is an indestructible bunker which can protect us from anyth–

*CRASH*

A loud sound of shattering glass erupted from behind me.

It was as if time had slowed down, I could feel the presence of something malicious, something dangerous near us.

The expression of the girl in front of me slowly morphed into one of pure terror, as she ducked down to hide herself from the destruction.

I whipped my head around. I saw fallen and broken chairs and tables, blood spilled everywhere as students struggled to run away.

I saw my friends being attacked, they were fighting with all their might.

An unrecognizable black creature, covered in mist, tried to attack Anny.

My blood boiled as I saw that happen, I could see every little movement the creature did, but I couldn't stop it, I was too far.

Thankfully, Johan parried its strike, pushing Anny away as he, too, fell to the ground with her.

Before I could even think of anything, my hand had already unsheathed the blade on my waist.

Emotions flared up inside me.

Anger - Watching my friends being attacked.

Fear - That I, and my friends, would die fighting.

Determination - To prevent the above outcome at all costs.

I saw one of the attackers jump towards me, and I didn't hesitate, and I didn't blink before slashing my blade towards him.

The blade started emitting orange and red sparks, which expanded and covered the sword in a thin layer of red, while the red layer was covered by burning hot orange flames.

I slashed down on the attacker's body, splitting it straight into two.

I landed on my two feet, determination not leaving my eyes, I had not been able to cover the sword in red flames like that since the first time I did in the dungeon.